Criminal Defense Lawyers

International Criminal Summons and Extradition Considerations

Facing International Criminal Charges? What You Need to Know

Getting hit with criminal charges is stressful enough – but when those charges cross international borders, it becomes a whole new level of complicated. If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in another country, the prospect of extradition and foreign legal proceedings can feel overwhelming.But don’t panic just yet. Our experienced team at Spodek Law Group has handled countless international criminal cases; we know the ropes, and we‘re here to fight for you. In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know about international criminal summons, extradition considerations, and how to protect your rights. Buckle up – it’s gonna be a wild ride.

The Basics: International Criminal Charges 101

First things first, let’s get some definitions out of the way:International Criminal Charges refer to allegations of criminal conduct that took place across multiple countries or violated the laws of more than one nation. Common examples include drug trafficking, money laundering, cybercrime, and fraud schemes with an international reach.An International Criminal Summons is a legal document issued by a foreign government, demanding that an individual appear in their country’s court to face charges. Ignoring this summons can result in an international arrest warrant being issued – yikes.Extradition is the formal process of one country surrendering an accused or convicted person to another nation for prosecution or sentencing. It‘s essentially international deportation for alleged criminals.

But I’m a U.S. Citizen – Can They Really Extradite Me?

The short answer? Unfortunately, yes. The U.S. has extradition treaties with over 100 countries around the world. These agreements generally require the requesting country to provide evidence showing “probable cause” that the accused individual committed an extraditable offense.Now, that doesn‘t mean extradition is automatic – far from it. The process involves multiple levels of review by judges, prosecutors, and the U.S. State Department. And you can bet your bottom dollar that our tenacious criminal defense lawyers will fight tooth and nail to keep you on American soil.There are valid legal grounds to challenge extradition requests, such as:

• Lack of probable cause – If the evidence provided is insufficient to establish a crime was likely committed.
• Political motivation – Extradition treaties prohibit surrendering individuals for political offenses or persecution based on factors like race, religion, or nationality.
• Potential human rights violations – Extradition may be denied if the requesting country cannot assure humane treatment and a fair trial.

It’s a complex process, but our international law experts have successfully blocked extradition in numerous high-profile cases. We know how to navigate these treacherous waters.

I Got an International Summons – Now What?

Okay, so you just got served with a summons demanding your presence in a foreign court. Take a deep breath – this isn’t the end of the world, but you need to act quickly.The first and most crucial step is to immediately consult an experienced international criminal defense attorney. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT ignore that summons or try to handle this yourself. Failure to respond can allow the foreign government to seek an international arrest warrant and initiate extradition proceedings.Our legal team will thoroughly review the summons, charges, and any supporting evidence provided. We’ll assess the strength of the case against you and start building a comprehensive defense strategy. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to negotiate with foreign prosecutors, challenge the charges on legal grounds, or fight extradition from the get-go.The key is taking swift action to protect your rights and freedom. With our expertise in international criminal law, you can rest assured we’ll leave no stones unturned in keeping you out of that foreign prison.

Extradition 101: What to Expect

So despite our best efforts, the U.S. government has decided to certify and comply with an extradition request from another country. What happens next?Well, first off – don’t lose hope. The extradition process has numerous safeguards in place, and our top-rated criminal lawyers will continue battling for you at every stage.Here’s a basic overview of what to expect:

1. Arrest and Initial Hearing: You’ll be arrested on a federal extradition warrant and brought before a judge, who will inform you of the charges and allegations against you. This is not a trial – the sole purpose is to identify you as the wanted person.
2. Extradition Hearing: A more in-depth proceeding where the government must establish “probable cause” that you committed an extraditable offense. Our attorneys will vigorously contest the charges and evidence presented.
3. Habeas Corpus Review: If the extradition is certified by the court, we can file a habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of your potential extradition.
4. Appeals Process: Additional appeals can be filed with higher courts all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.
5. Surrender: If all legal avenues are exhausted, you may ultimately be surrendered to the custody of the requesting country. However, this is never a foregone conclusion – our team has won countless extradition battles.

It’s a lengthy and complex process filled with opportunities to poke holes in the case and assert your rights. With our premier criminal defense firm leading the charge, you‘ll have the best chance at avoiding extradition.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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What If I’m Tried and Convicted Abroad?

In the unfortunate event that you are extradited and convicted in a foreign nation, the battle is still not over. Our international criminal law practice extends to assisting Americans incarcerated overseas.We’ll fight to ensure you receive fair and humane treatment in accordance with international treaties and human rights laws. Our attorneys can also pursue appeals, clemency petitions, and potential prisoner transfers to serve out your sentence in the United States.No matter how dire the situation may seem, our top-rated criminal defense team will stand by your side and leave no stones unturned in protecting your rights and freedom. You’re not alone in this fight.